Imelda Marcos Sidesteps Questions About Wealth

OTHER NEWS TO NOTE - The World

December 22, 1998

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine senators Monday asked the widow of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos about the sources of the family's wealth, but she dodged most questions in a hearing broadcast nationwide. Imelda Marcos said her lawyers advised her to keep silent to prevent jeopardizing her chances in more than 400 pending court cases. In the cases, the government is seeking to retrieve the riches it says Marcos looted from the country during his 20-year rule. Imelda Marcos, 69, said her husband was not a thief and amassed his fortune through gold trading. She refused to give other details.